Hey fellow HCMC parents! With the New Year's break lingering, we've got a fantastic weekend ahead (Jan 3-4) that's not just about fireworks leftovers. Forget the usual, this weekend is all about the amazing International Culture Week at Saigon Zoo and catching the tail end of some cool year-end promotions. Let's make the first weekend of 2026 count!
Quick Picks
International Culture Week – Welcoming the New Year 2026
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Free evening entry (5 PM - 9 PM) to enjoy cultural exchanges, performances, and food stalls.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Nhà hát Múa Rối Nước Rồng Vàng
A classic, engaging indoor show featuring Vietnamese folktales – perfect for sheltering from any unexpected drizzle.
Suối Tiên Cultural Tourist Area
Khu Du Lịch Văn Hóa Suối Tiên
The park has family-friendly activities and discounted online tickets ending this Sunday, Jan 4th.
International Culture Week – Welcoming the New Year 2026
This is the last weekend for the International Culture Week at the Zoo! After 5 PM daily, entry to the festival area is free, so you can check out the handicraft workshops, enjoy performances, and sample the international food stalls without paying for the zoo entrance.
Why we picked it: It’s a rare chance to enjoy the Zoo's festive evening program for free, as the event wraps up on Sunday.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
If the rain hits, this is your cultural escape! The traditional water puppet shows are mesmerizing for all ages, telling fun Vietnamese folktales like 'Journey to the West'. It’s a cozy, totally indoor cultural hit.
Why we picked it: It’s a reliable, completely indoor cultural experience perfect for any sudden weather changes.
Moonlight in the Resistance Base Night Tour
This is *not* the standard day tour—it’s a special night experience at the Cu Chi Tunnels recreating war-time life, complete with a 3D film. It’s quite an intense history lesson, but super engaging for older kids and teens.
Why we picked it: The unique night tour offering a different, more immersive perspective on the historical site is a one-off experience.
L'Atelier An Phu Themed Workshop
They run themed activity programs based on holidays—great if you need structured, creative time for the younger ones. Make sure you book in advance, as they require pre-payment and notification by the day before.
Why we picked it: Offers fully structured, themed activities perfect for keeping toddlers and younger primary kids happily occupied.
Suối Tiên Cultural Tourist Area Promotions
The New Year's fun at Suối Tiên is ending on Sunday, so get those online tickets now for discounted entry to enjoy the circus acts and folk games. It’s a full day out with tons of things to see and do for the whole family.
Why we picked it: It’s the absolute last day for their New Year's promotion, a big park experience to cap off the holiday week.
Snapology STEAM/STEM Creative Play
If your kids love LEGOs and building, check out Snapology for their drop-in creative play or scheduled STEAM classes. It’s hands-on learning disguised as fun, which is the best kind of weekend activity.
Why we picked it: A great, structured indoor activity focused on fun, educational STEM/STEAM concepts.
Đầm Sen Water Park Fun
It’s always a classic, but with the New Year crowds thinning out after Jan 1st, this might be a better time for a splash day at Đầm Sen. They are still running promotions, so check online before you go.
Why we picked it: A beloved, large-scale entertainment option that's great for burning off weekend energy before school resumes.
Free Play at Public Parks
If you need a low-key, zero-cost morning, head to a major public park like Lê Thị Riêng for fresh air and free outdoor play structures. It’s a healthy way to avoid screen time and meet other local families.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free and healthy outdoor option that many tourists completely overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Ho Chi Minh City this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04), the best genuinely free option is the evening session (5 PM - 9 PM) at the International Culture Week – Welcoming the New Year 2026 at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. You can also enjoy free, always-available fun at major public parks like Công viên Văn hóa Lê Thị Riêng.
What is a good indoor, rainy-day activity for my younger kids this weekend?
For a guaranteed indoor cultural experience, check out the traditional shows at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater ([id: hcmc-water-puppet]) on Saturday. Alternatively, Snapology Discovery Center ([id: hcmc-lego-stem]) offers hands-on, educational fun with LEGOs, ideal for sheltering from the rain.
Are there any unique, last-chance events before everything goes back to normal next week?
Yes! The International Culture Week at Saigon Zoo ([id: hcmc-zoo-culture-week]) ends Sunday, offering free cultural activities in the evening. Also, the special promotions at Suối Tiên Cultural Tourist Area ([id: hcmc-suoi-tien-park]) conclude on Sunday, Jan 4th.